A user-led organisation for disabled people across Surrey is holding an open day and picnic later this month to try to recruit disabled people to join its Board of Trustees and help oversee its development and management.

Surrey Independent Living Council (SILC), that supports disabled people and carers to make the most of the opportunities and freedom that Direct Payments can give, is about to lose three of its most experienced Trustees. The three Trustees who have all been involved with SILC from its earliest days are stepping down from the Board in September.

The open day and picnic is being held from 12.30 – 3.00 pm on Tuesday 20th August in the grounds of SILC's offices (Astolat, Coniers Way, Burpham GU4 7HL). It is so important to SILC that disabled people get involved they are even paying for people's transport.

Jason Vaughan, Chair of SILC and a user of Direct Payments for nearly 15 years explained why they are arranging a picnic to help with their search. He said: "We are a members organisation. This means we are run by, and for, the users of our service. The picnic will give disabled people and their carers the chance to find out more about SILC and what we do, meet the SILC staff and existing Trustees, find out what being a SILC Trustee is all about, give their views and enjoy some free food and drink!"

If anyone is interested but is not able to get to the picnic, they can contact Richard Davy, SILC's Chief Executive on 01483 458111 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.